Ten Things To Do In Chania, Crete

The Prefecture of Chania is located in western Crete. The picturesque seaside city of Chania is its capital and it features a well-preserved historical center as well as a modern city that extends enough to reach the mountain range of the Lefka Ori or the White Mountains. Here are some of the things to do in Chania.

Visit a Mountain Village

All over the prefecture, visitors will find traditional hamlets and villages perched on the slopes of the Lefka Ori. These places of untouched beauty offer a unique opportunity to be in touch with nature as well as with the local cuisine which is simple and tasty. In the mountains, it is possible to discover local species of plants and animals, some of them unique to the island

Explore the Beaches

The prefecture of Chania is the area that hosts some of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Falassana on the west side is well known for its privileged location for water sports and unique sunsets. On the south, world-famous Elafonisi, with its crystal waters and pink sand, enchants thousands of visitors every year. For the more adventurous type, the peninsula of Gramvousa and the unique landscape of Balos beach are worth the trip over the dirt path.

Discover the History of the City

A city that has been continuously inhabited for over 7,000 years certainly has a few things to offer those interested in history.

Home to different rulers and occupiers, Chania displays every style of architecture. The Venetian harbor combines with the various minarets still standing in town and the many Byzantine churches of the city.

Certainly, there is no shortage of monuments and buildings telling the legends of the Venice of the East, as it used to be called. A walking tour of the city that combines traditions and gastronomy can be the perfect opportunity for a different way to explore Chania.

Indulge in the Local Gastronomy

The Cretan diet has been long recognized as one of the healthiest in the world and there is no better place to try it than on the island. Main ingredients include the traditional Mediterranean products, such as olive oil, vegetables and Greek yogurt but also include wild greens, local varieties of cheese and delicious cuts of meat, such as goat or sheep. Everything is cooked in a no-frills way but with a judicious use of herbs and spices — the base of the unique Cretan flavors.

Shop Till You Drop

A visit to the Municipal Market, or Dimotiki Agora, is the best excuse to take back some of the traditions of the island.

Considered to be an architectural gem and one the most important public markets in the region, the Municipal Market gives visitors the opportunity to shop for local produce of excellent quality. Olives, honey, spices, herbs and cheese are some of the Cretan tastes that tourists usually choose to return with.

Taste Cretan Wines

Different wineries can be visited all over the island, and some of them are located in the Prefecture. Either venture yourself in a self-made journey of discovery or rely on the wise suggestions of the only local wine tour run by a sommelier. In both cases be certain that you will enjoy some of the best wines currently being produced in Greece.

Test your Skills in Extreme Sports

Have you ever jumped from a bridge? If this is something that entices your curiosity, Crete is one of the places where to feel some extreme adrenaline. Every summer, Aradena — in the region of Sfakia — turns into the gathering point for bungee lovers who dare to jump into the gap of the gorge from a bridge standing at 138 meters height. If the idea is too much for you, try a hike in the area — the unique landscape will amaze you equally and offer unforgettable experiences.

Learn About the Local Olive Oil

About 27 kilometers (17 miles) from the city of Chania, it is possible to visit one of the oldest living olive trees in the world. It is located in the village of Ano Vouves and it is still producing olives that result in an excellent quality extra virgin oil. In the area, there is also a museum and an old olive-oil factory, both of them open to the public and teaching visitors all the secrets of the history of this local treasure.

Sail the Cretan Sea

Home to three beautiful peninsulas — Gramvousa, Rodopos and Akrotiri — sailing the shores of northern Crete can turn into a surprise for many. Either you go for a version of extreme luxury yachting or decide on a more modest sailing trip, cruising the Cretan seas will allow you to dive in some of the bluest waters of the Mediterranean, or even trying your fishing skills.

Enjoy Some of the Local Festivals

Almost every week of the year, there is a festival to enjoy in the villages of Crete. A culture that pretty much revolves around eating, drinking and music is nothing but a guarantee of fun and joy made of local dances and songs. Whether it is Easter, the 1st of May or the Day of the Virgin (Aug. 15), every town in Chania allows tourists to experience the Cretan traditions at their best.

Fileas Art Hotel in Chania Lives up to its Description

Fileas Art Hotel , the new addition of Aria Hotels (www.ariahotels.gr), is situated in the Old Town of Chania and truly lives up to its name, combining art, architectural tradition and outstanding quality in service and accommodation.
This unique boutique hotel is housed in a three-story traditional building on Protou Frangiskou Street. It is fully renovated to provide all comforts and the friendly staff guarantee that guests will enjoy the traditional warm hospitality that Crete and Cretan people are famous for.
The hotel features six modern double rooms with special decoration and artworks, which combined with all modern amenities, guarantee a comfortable and enjoyable stay in the historic city.

Fileas Art Hotel is located only a few minutes away from the Old Port of Chania and is therefore ideally suited for touring the city’s landmarks, monuments and hot spots.

In addition, the Old Port offers plenty of entertainment and gastronomy options, including the Alcanea Café & Wine Bar, located on the ground floor of Aria’s sister property, the Alcanea Boutique Hotel.
Fileas Art Hotel (Email: fileas@ariahotels.gr) is the seventh property of Aria Hotels in Crete. The company has several hotels and villas, all in exceptional destinations: Athens, Crete, Cyclades, Epirus and Peloponnese, all chosen to appeal to the discerning traveler looking for a secret hideaway in Greece.

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